Grand Tour of South America with Quito and Galapagos Islands Cruise (Luxury Gold - Summer 2018)
Overview
Highlights
- Cusco: Sunday market in Chinchero, truly authentic and local. Visit the Salt Pans of Maras and learn about the ancient economy of the Inca empire revolving around caring for terraced salt pools.
- Lake Titicaca: Stand on the floating islands of Uros and hear about the day to day struggle just to stay afloat on top of Lake Titicaca from family members who know no other way of life.
- Kingston Family Winery: Be immersed in the cool climate wine culture that has made Chile famous.
- Buenos Aires: Stand on the wide open Pampas of Argentina and along side the gaucho's cowboy lifestyle of the past.
- Rio de Janeiro: Walk along white sand beaches humming the famous songs they are known for....Copacabana and Ipanema
- Buenos Aires: Distinguishable by its architecture and décor, the Alvear Palace Hotel is a hallmark of world class hotels.
- Cusco: The stylishly decorated and luxurious JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is built atop ancient Incan ruins.
- Iguassu: The luxurious Belmond das Cataratas is the only hotel inside the National Park and sits alongside the falls.
- Lake Titicaca: Enjoy the sunsets on the lake from the only five-star hotel region, the Libertador.
- Lima: Explore the very best of Peru's capital city at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Be escorted by the crème de la crème of Insight Travelling Concierges - handpicked for every departure. This skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40 guest coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour.
- A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
- At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery right to your door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Travelling Concierge will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Included airport transfers on first and last itinerary day.
Popular Trips
Itinerary
Welcome to Ecuador. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
(Relaxed Start) A drive north will take you to the Monument to the Equator. Here, you can experience the rare opportunity of standing in the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously. Next, visit the Ethnographical Museum, which presents the history of the cult...
In the morning, fly to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands, where you will be met and transferred to the Itabaca Channel. A ferry will take you across the channel to Santa Cruz Island, where you then head for the highlands to learn about the island’s ecosystems and biodi...
In the morning, a panga (dinghy) will ferry you to Eden Islet to observe Blue footed boobies, reef sharks and frigates. There will be a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, ride in a glass-bottom boat to see the tiny island of Sombrero Chino. Upon return to Eden Islet, explore the beautiful surrounds and wildlife as you wander the 1,312-foot-long (400 metres) trail.
In the morning, the Galapagos icon of Bartolomé Island awaits. Ascend a wooden staircase for spectacular views from the top before boarding a panga cruise around the colossal Pinnacle Rock. After lunch, the panga will take you to Sullivan Bay, a white, coral-sand beac...
Begin your day with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds, with options available for all travellers. In the afternoon, there is a panga ride alongside the cliffs before disembarking for a captivating walk to observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, Frigatebirds, storm petrels, and the elusive short-eared owl.
Return to Baltra Island to disembark and be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (FB) Anticipated arrival time in Lima is 22:00.
(Relaxed Start) Experience Lima through the eyes of a Local Expert as you explore the UNESCO-listed, Historic Centre of Lima. Step onto the colonial balconies, with private-access, at the Archbishop's house. Your Highlight Lunch is at Amoramar in the bohemian district...
Board your flight to Cusco before continuing to Peru's Sacred Valley. Meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, and president of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Enjoy lunch with Nilda and learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) In the morning, head to the town of Maras to meet with a local family and learn about the arts and crafts of the region. View the spectacular terraced salt pans dating back to Inca times. Experience a typical caja china lunch, cooked in a wooden box, b...
Visit the town of Ollantaytambo, a national archeological site. Settle into the Vistadome train for your scenic journey to Machu Picchu, before enjoying an included lunch upon arrival at your resort. Venture along nature trails with a Local Expert, through the fascina...
The entire day is yours to discover the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu with your Local Expert.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) Return by train to Sacred Valley for a Highlight Lunch of traditional Peruvian meal cooked underground. Later, get up-close to llamas, alpacas and even the rare vicuñas, before arriving at your hotel.(Full Breakfast / Lunch)
(Relaxed Start) Join your Local Expert to explore the Temple of the Sun at Korikancha and cathedral, followed by the citadel of Sacsayhuaman. Set out for San Blas to visit a candle shop and learn about its importance to the locals. Later, a candlelit Highlight Dinner with wine is served at the reputed MAP restaurant.(Full Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Board your included flight to Juliaca and continue to Puno, along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Your lakeside hotel is on Esteves Island.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) Cruise Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros before continuing to the island of Amantaní to enjoy lunch hosted by the local community.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Head to Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo to explore the burial grounds, before your flight to Lima. At night, savour a sensational Highlight Dinner with wine at world-renowned Astrid y Gastón.(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Bid farewell to Lima as you fly to Santiago. In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with wine in nearby Lastarria, Santiago's trendiest neighbourhood.(Full Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) Meet a Local Expert for a city tour before a visit to the UNESCO-listed port of Valparaíso and the boutique Kingston Family Winery in the Casablanca Valley for a tasting.(Full Breakfast)
(Relaxed Start) Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Buenos Aires. In the evening, your Highlight Dinner with wine is at Piegari Carnes, known for its Argentine beef.(Full Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) Get to know Buenos Aires with a Local Expert on a tour including Palermo, San Telmo and Recoleta. Enjoy views of the balcony, made famous by Evita Peron, and walk the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca. Visit the Belle Époque Teatro Colon. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with wine, live music, singers and dancers at Rojo Tango.(Full Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) Step into a world of riding boots and leather chaps at an Estancia, where you will be served a delicious asado Highlight Lunch with wine and a taste of the life of an Argentinian gaucho, or cowboy.(Full Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
Fly to Iguassu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the great natural wonders of the world. Your Local Expert will take you to meet a tribal representative of the indigenous Guarani people. Your luxurious resort is the only hotel inside the Brazilian Iguassu National Park. Enjoy dinner with wine at your hotel in the evening.(Continental Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert for a walk on the Brazilian side of the falls, see the panoramic view of San Martin Island and visit the Bird Park. Perhaps soar over Iguassu Falls on a helicopter ride?(Full Breakfast)
Today, fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro. Transfer to your hotel located on famous Copacabana Beach where your evening is free.(Full Breakfast)
(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert on a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. At Confeitaria Colombo, enjoy a Highlight Lunch with wine amid a lavish setting. In the afternoon, visit one of Rio's favelas before a stop at The Maze, an iconic jazz club. In the ev...
Join your Local Expert on a train ride up Corcovado Hill to Christ the Redeemer, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, toast your journey over a Farewell Celebration Dinner with wine, at Michelin starred restaurant MeE.(Full Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
(Relaxed Start) A private transfer will take you to the Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.(Full Breakfast)
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Insight Vacations.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings
Other Insight Vacations Reviews
Trusted Customer
Apr 2024
Benelux 2024
The bus is so comfortable, the food is great, not all hotels in the it...
Heather Mccallum
Apr 2024
A must see for avid travellers
Abul Simbel is a must see add on
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.
Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations
